Comments on: Drive-By Review: Gerbing 12V Hybrid Heated Insoles

By: kevin

kevin — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 01:08:17 +0000

I’m a little surprised by the lack of response. For the record, I gave up on this product.

By: oley

oley — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:45:11 +0000

I’ve sent two messages in as many weeks to Gerbing’s referencing reported reviews about their insoles and no received a response yet. in the mean time I am considering the Warm and Safe heated socks.

By: Anthony | Heated Jacket

Anthony | Heated Jacket — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 06:43:59 +0000

Heated apparel is a great way to beat the cold. New, safe technologies have made these garments reliable for all types of outdoor winter activities. Hunting, football games, even a cold weather bike or motorcycle ride. Multiple connection options and adjustable thermostats make heated clothing extremely versatile…

By: kevin

kevin — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 13:05:10 +0000

They’re a brilliant idea. Sadly the execution is crap. I sent mine back, they tested them, and sent them back saying they were just fine. Obviously heating feet is a hard ask. The wired up socks are appalling. It feels like you’ve wrapped your feet in a cheap extension cord, which you have. Unless you wear liner socks, you’ll wind up with the wires round your toes in no time. The insoles show promise but little discernible heat. I would recommend you DON’T BUY.

By: Al

Al — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 11:35:05 +0000

I just found your review. Eight months later and it looks like Gerbing still has the same problem.

I’m a big fan of Gerbing gear. I have a full set of liners including the socks. The socks are warm, but like you, I don’t like how the wires feel in my boots. For me, the socks are also a PIA to wash on the road. I tried the insoles for the first time yesterday in 40F weather. Froze my feet. After the ride, I tried hooking them directly to the battery to check them. They were producing heat, buy you could barely feel it. I didn’t do any trimming to the insoles. They fit my boot without trimming, so I couldn’t have cut any wires in the insole.

I like the part in the instructions where Gerbing cautions you to be careful because the insoles get so hot. Hahaha. PNW guys really have a great sense of humor.

By: Cynthia in France

Cynthia in France — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 17:53:15 +0000

Well, I definitely need to buy some of those. I’ll start searching for them now. I live in the French Alps and my hubby and I love to motorbike, but boy, is it cold!! I have a blog with videos including a couple about motorbiking in snow so you can see what I mean. I’m always looking for ways to stay warm on the bike, especially since I’m from Southern Florida and LA – I’m just not used to this cold winter stuff! Thanks for the tip. Enjoyed browsing your blog. See you again. Cynthia in France

By: LumpyCam

LumpyCam — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 02:07:34 +0000

I did my first tour last week with a Gerbing heated jacket and i can’t believe how great it was. I did 900km + days and around Klamath Falls OR it was -4c but i was toasty warm. I’d also recommend the long sleeve variant if you’re riding in a real chill.

Sorry to hear the insoles are a bit more problematic.

By: kevin

kevin — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 18:28:23 +0000

I just got off the phone with Dotty. Lovely lady. The sad news here is that they’re out of stock on my size, the XXL, until late May, or early June. Yikes!

By: Seán

Seán — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 05:42:09 +0000

Thanks Kevin. Vest it is. I really underestimated the wind chill effect of 60 mph that cool, sunny Friday.

By: kevin

kevin — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 03:56:29 +0000

Hey Sean. I would look after my core fist. I have the jacket and the vest. My two riding pals have the vest. So that would be where I would start. If you don’t have heated grips, gloves next.